Advertisement
Advertisement
The Philippines
Get more with myNEWS
A personalised news feed of stories that matter to you
Learn more
Coastguards have placed buoys in the Philippines exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. Photo: AP

South China Sea: Philippines places buoys to assert sovereignty in exclusive economic zone

  • Coastguard set up 5 buoys carrying the national flag in the 322km zone, including the Whitsun Reef, where hundreds of Chinese maritime vessels moored in 2021
  • Move comes amid China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea as President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr pursues warmer ties with treaty ally the US

The Philippines has placed navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to assert sovereignty over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a coastguard spokesperson said on Sunday.

The step comes amid China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea as Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr pursues warmer ties with treaty ally the United States.

The Philippine coastguard said it set up five buoys carrying the national flag from May 10 to 12 in five areas within the 200-mile (322-kilometre) zone, including the Whitsun Reef, where hundreds of Chinese maritime vessels moored in 2021.

Philippines urges speedy conclusion of South China Sea code of conduct

“This move highlights the Philippines’ unwavering resolve to protect its maritime borders and resources and contribute to the safety of maritime trade,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, the coastguard spokesperson on South China Sea issues, said on Twitter.

China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In May 2022, the coastguard installed five navigational buoys on four islands in the Spratlys.

Philippine coastguard points to the map during a patrol and resupply mission of Philippine-occupied areas in the South China Sea. Photo: AP

China’s claim of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea was invalidated by an international arbitration ruling in 2016.

Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the Spratlys, where China has dredged sand to build islands on reefs, and equipped them with missiles and runways.

Beijing has for years deployed hundreds of coastguard and fishing vessels in disputed areas.

7